PRESS

MEDIA ALERT

***HIV-associated Wasting and Nutrition Program***

BEBASHI Educates Community on Advances in the Treatment of HIV-associated
Wasting and Nutrition Issues

WHO: BEBASHI is a full-service HIV/AIDS case management agency with a special interest in serving low-income people of color with HIV disease. BEBASHI was founded in 1985 in response to the increasing incidence of HIV/AIDS in the African American community of Philadelphia. Best known for developing programs to meet the needs of the underserved community, BEBASHI provides culturally-sensitive health related information, direct service, research, and technical assistance to the urban community. In 2005, BEBASHI commemorates 20 years of service as the first AIDS service organization targeting the African American community!

Joni Bishop, Director of Public Relations, BEBASHI, is available to discuss the organization’s services and resources.

WHAT: A dinner program and presentation focusing on key issues surrounding the potentially life-threatening diagnosis of HIV-associated wasting in HIV/AIDS patients. This program targets treatment advocates, educators, and case managers and will provide an opportunity to learn more about common, yet manageable, complications associated with advanced AIDS with the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Experts from local AIDS service organizations will serve on a panel and be on hand to answer questions.

WHY: Despite advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS, patients are still facing a life-threatening condition called HIV wasting. Many times this condition is unrecognized or misdiagnosed and can lead to death in people with HIV/AIDS.

WHEN: Thursday, March 10, 2005 Dinner: 6:00PM – 8:00PM

***Interview opportunity before or after program with local AIDS experts within BEBASHI***

WHERE: The Spaghetti Warehouse, 1026 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 (across the street from BEBASHI)

CONTACT: Joni Bishop, Director of Public Relations, BEBASHI, 215.769.3561

This educational program is sponsored by BEBASHI and Serono, Inc.